Tubular joint



w. H. PEACH Erm. 2,614,827

oct. 21, 1952 TUBULAR JOINT 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 4. 1946 T035. Peas/Z' alf/z.

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INVHV m/H Oct. 21, 1952 w. H. PEACH ETAI. 2,614,327

TUBULAR JOINT 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4Filed Jah. 4. 194e lll/1111111111 www. u mlczmJ/.Peada MMM ay Eqyql EMM.

Patented Oct. 21, 1952 TUBULAR JOINT William H. Peach, Chicago, and Royal D. Malin, Evanston, Ill., assignors to Clayton Mark & Co., Evanston, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application January 4, 1946, Serial No. 639,037

, 3 Claims.` 1 This invention pertains to tubular joints and the method of connecting tubular members.

It is an object of this invention to provide tubular connecting means wherein a rigid, tight joint is attained.

K Another object of this invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature which is neat in appearance and inexpensive to effect.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature wherein the component parts can be plated or coated individually and be subsequently assembled into the finished structure without injury to the surface finish.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature wherein the parts can be plated prior to connection.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature wherein parts can be connected so that they are angularly or otherwise disposed one with respect to the other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature and wherein once connected the parts are not relatively movable one with respect to the other.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tubular connecting structure of a permanent nature and one which is readily adapted for use in toys, furniture, oflice machinery, display racks, stands, handles for tools, as lawn mowers, carts, ladders, clothes racks, bedsteads, etc

VWith these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended hereto. t

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts- Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective elevation of one form of joint construction embodying the invention; p

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional elevation taken substantiallyin the plane as indicated by the line 2 2 of Figure l, but showing the parts in position prior to effecting the joint;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation corresponding to Figure 2, but showing the parts subsecuent to effecting the joint;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through another form of joint embodying the invention, showing the parts in position prior to effecting the joint, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 4--4 of Figure 5;

Figure 5 is an elevation of the form of joint illustrated in Figure 4, a part thereof being shown in transverse section;

Figure 6 is a sectional elevation taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 6--8 of Figure 4, but showing the parts subsequent to effecting the connection;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary transverse sectional elevation corresponding to Figure 2 showing another form of connection embodying the invention, the parts being illustrated prior to eiecting the connection;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the connection between the parts illustrated in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a sectional elevation taken 'substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 9-9 of Figure 8; t

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through another form of joint embodying the invention showing the parts in position prior to effecting the joint, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line lll-iilofFigure 11; i

Figure 11 is a sectional elevation taken `substantially in the plane as indicated by the line lI-ll of Figure 10;`

Figure 121s a sectional elevation corresponding to Figure 11 but showing the parts in position after the joint has been effected;

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the construction illustrated in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a sectional elevationtaken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line Y ill-I4 of Figure 13;

Figure l5 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of another form of t joint embodying the invention, showing the joint adapted for connecting two parallel members but in position prior to effecting the joint, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line |5--I5 of Figure 16;

Figure 16 is a sectional plan takensubstantially in the plane as indicated by the line lB-I 6 of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary plan View of one of the joints of the construction illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 after the joint has been effected, a portion of the larger tube being cut away to show Eng shape of the end of the smallerk connecting u u e;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line |8-'| 8 of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a sectional elevation corresponding to Figure but showing the joints subsequent to effecting connection;

Figure 20 is a sectional plan View taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 20-20 of Figure 19;

IFigure 21 is a fragmentary sectional elevation showing a connection between tubes of the saine size, the connection being effected so that the tubes connected are angularly disposed and closely adjacent to each other;

Figure 22 is an elevation of a connection between two tubes wherein one tube extends through the other;

Figure 23 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the joint illustrated in Figure 22, showing the tubes in position one with respect to the other prior to connection;

Figure -24 is a sectional elevation correspond- .ingtoy Figure 23 showing the tubes in position subsequent to effecting the joint;

Figure 25 is a fragmentary, exploded View partly Ain section of a modied form of joint embodyying the invention;

Figure 26 is a fragmentary sectional elevation through the modified form of joint illustrated in Y Figure '25# showing the parts in assembled position with respect to each other but prior to effecting the joint;

Figure 27 is a View corresponding to Figur-e 26 Showing the parts after the joint has been effected;

Figure 28y isa fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially in the plane as indicated by .the linen-28 of Figure 27; and

Figure Y29 is 1a sectional elevation similar to llligurev 98y but showing a modied form of ypilot member ordeforming core member used in effecting the joint.

Referring first of all, more particularly, to the jointconstruction illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the larger tube is provided with the -aperturef42 having substantially the same diameteras the outer diameter of the smaller tube ld to permit the connecting end 46 of said tube le toibereadily inserted within the tube d@ through 1aperturer42. The end 46 of tube 44 is weakened as by the recess 48, said recess being adapted to receivethe pilot or `deforming c-ore member 5b.

Memberi isnprovided with a cylindrical portion 52 adapted to t in the recess 48, being positioned by'means of the shoulder 54, the outer end 56 of the member having a curved surface to substantially fit the inner, transverse curved surface ofthe tube 40 as shown in Figures 2 :and 3.

After assembly of the parts as illustrated in Figure 2, tube 44 is forced inwardly of tube lill as by a press or other suitable means, a suitable die vorv fixture preventing deformation of the external parts of tubes 40 and 44, and the weakened portion provided by the recess 48 will deform to cause a substantially `circular locking shoulder 53 to be formed which follows the inner contour of tube 40 adjacent the aperture 42 whereby a, tight connection is effected.

In the construction shown in Figures Ll to 6 inclusive, the outer larger tube is. providedwith the aperture 62, the diameter of the aperture being substantially the same as the outer diameter ofithesmaller tube 64 whereby tube t4 may be extended within tube. The end 66 of tube Sti is provided with the ydiametrically opposed are rectangular.

rounded portions 68, so rounded vas to substantially t the contour of the outer tube 60 and in effect forming opposed shoulders 'I9 arranged to be disposed in the direction of the axis of the tube t@ whereby an interlocking arrangement between tubes t@ and 5d is provided to prevent rotation of tube 64 with respect to tube Se.y The end it@ of tube 5d is weakened bythe circular recesses l2, angularly disposed with respect to each ,l other, to form the thickened ridge 74.

After assembly of tube te with respect to tube tu, tube t4 is moved inwardly of tube t0 in the manner Similar to that described with respect to Figure 1, causing the weakened portions 'i2 to deforrn wherein the ridge 'i4 provides a lockinf shoulder within tube Eil.

In the construction shown in Figures 7 to 9 inclusive, the larger outer tube 'F6 is provided with the aperture I8 having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the smaller tube 3|), whereby the smaller tube may be inserted in the larger tube. The end 82 of tube 5t is provided with the opposed curved portions 84 adapted to be curved transversely of the axis of tube I6 and in eiect forming spaced shoulders 85 adapted to be arranged in the direction of the axis of tube 'l5 whereby an interlocking relation between tubes 'l5 and 80 is effected, preventing rotation of tube 8|) with respect to tube l.

The end d3 of tube ell is weakened as by drilling the opposed apertures Sil, the apertures being so disposed with respect to the end of the tube that when tube |35 is pressed into tube l5, the

- apertures will permit a deformation to the end of tube Bil wherein in effect lockingshoulders 92 are formed, the deformed .apertures then being disposed wholly in tube le.

In the construction illustrated in Figures l0 to 14 inclusive, the larger outer tube 94 is apertured as at 95, the ldiameter of said aperture being lsubstantially the same as the outer diameter of the smaller tube at whereby the tube 98 may be readily inserted into tube 94 through said aperture. The end Idil of tube V93 is rounded as at i |12, the rounded portions |92 being diametrically opposed to each other, and being adapted t0 t the inner contour of tube 9d, the rounding forming in effect shoulders |04 adapted to be aligned in the direction' of the axis of tube 94 to form interlocking means preventing rotation between tube 98 and tube 94.

Tube 98 is provided with diametrically opposed apertures it, which in the embodiment shown,

Other apertures such as diametrioally opposed rectangular apertures |88 are also provided. Apertures Illa and |08 may be of different sizes and the pairs of apertures may be disposed at different levels.

After assembly of the tubes as illustrated in Figure 10 tube Q8 may be moved within tube 94 as described with respect to Figure 1, causing a portion of the tube 93 between apertures |06 and |58 to deform to provide locking shoulders lle.

In the construction illustrated in Figures 15 to 20 inclusive, the larger parallel tubes I l2 and ||4 are apertured as at l I6 and H8; the diameter of the apertures llt and IIB being substantially equal to the outer diameter of the connecting tube |20. In the embodiment shown tubes H2 andV Mil are disposed with their axes parallel. It is, of course, understood, however, that they may be angularly disposed with respect to each other. The ends |22-and |24 of tube |29 are weakened'by drilling opposed apertures |26, the

apertures atthe respective ends preferably being disposed 90o apart. The terminations of ends |22 `and I2!! are left in planes perpendicular to the axis of the tube and will hereafter be referred to as squared ends, it being understood of course that a section of tube |20 is circular.

The joint is effected `by forcing tube |20 into tubes |I2and lili in a manner similar to that described with respect to Figure 1, which will cause the weakened vend adjacent the apertures to deform providing the locking shoulders |20 and disposing the apertures wholly within tubes ||2 and I I4. Forcing tube |20 within tubes ||2 and Ill causes the ends of tube |20 to be deformed into upset portions which may be described as composed of two geometric figures. One is a curved surface which is of general `acorn-like appearance.` The other surface or ridge |32, is a flattened end which ts the inner contour of the larger tube, that is, the surface |32 extends in the direction of the axes of tubes |I2`arid IM. l vIn the construction illustrated in Figure 2l thelarger tubes |34 and |36 are each apertured as at` |35 and M0, apertures |30` and |40 having al diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the connecting tube |42. The tubes |34 and |36 are disposed so that apertures |38 and are aligned and tubes |54 and |30 are moved to contact each other in joined condition. Tube |42 is provided with the apertures IM, which, adjacent each end of the tube, are preferably disposed 90 apart.

When the joint is eifected apertures |64 are deformed and the metal adjacent said apertures is deformed to effect the joint in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figures 16 to 20 inclusive, that is, locking curved surfaces |45 are provided similar to surfaces |30 and the locking ridge |48 is provided'similar to ridge |32, it being seen that when the joint is eiected apertures Mllare disposed within tubes |3ll and |30, respectively.

Referring now to the construction illustrated in Figures 22 to 24 inclusive, the larger tube |50 is provided with aligned apertures |52, the diameter of said apertures being substantially equal to the outer diameter of the tube |54 whereby tube |54 may be readily disposed through apertures |52. Tube |55 .is provided with a pair of aligned, elongated apertures |55, which, in the embodiment shown, is of general elliptical shape which may midwav thereof be provided with further cut out portions |58.

Tube |55 is pressed. `ifrcm each end into tube ibi? causing tube l5@ to deform the metal adjacent aperture |515 whereby interlocking portions |00 are provided, tube I5d within tube |50 generally following the contour of tube |50, locking shoulders |52 being formed in alignment with the cut out portion |553 and extending in the direction oi the axis of tube |50. In this joint the bore of the smaller tube is unrestricted so that an inside mandrel may be utilized insuring a uniiorm upset and insuring that the inner tube will be unrestricted.

in the construction illustrated in Figures 25 to 28 inclusive, tbe larger tube |64 is provided with the aperture it the diameter of said aperture being substantially equal to the cuter diameter of the smaller tube |60 whereby the end of tube I t0 may be readily inserted through aperture |05 into tube |55. The end of tube |68, which is thereby projected into tube |04, may berearned as at |10 to provide a substantially frusto-conical end surface. A piece of cylindrical bar 'stock having a` diameter not in excess of the outer diameter 'of tube |53 is cut to form a slug. The slug isv deformed so that it is provided with an outer roundedsurface |72 adapted to generally rlt the contour of the inside of tube v|54 as illustrated in Figure 28, surface |12 merging into the cylindrical surface |14 which is substantially equal to the outer diameter of tube |68. Surface llt mergesinto rounded (or frusto-conical) surface |15 which is adapted to ilt within the frustoconical or reamed surface |10 as illustrated in Figure 26, surface I'lii terminating in cylindrical surface ,llt having substantially the samediameter as the inner diameter of the tube |68 whereby the slug may be readily inserted into the smaller tube. AWhen tube |68 is pressed into tube |05, the outer end of tube |68 is moved to embrace the formed slug which in its completed form may be referred to as a pilot or deforming core member. The end of tube |68 follows around the pilot member even embracing the end |72 thereof, and, oi course, is forced into tight engagement with the inside of tube |64 as shownin Figure 28. l

In Figure 29 the larger tube |82 is provided with the aperture |85, the aperture having a diameter which is substantially the same as the outer diameter of tube whereby tube |86 may be readily inserted into tube |82 through aperture ist; the end i853 of tube |80, in its undeformed condition may be rearned the same as tube its is reamed as at |70. A spherical ball Idil having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of tube |80; is received within the rearned end, and when tube |86 is pressed Within the tube i82, the end |88 of tube |86 Will follow around the ball |50 and into tight engagement with the inner wall of tube |82, as shown in Figure 29.

In the constructions shown it will be appreciated that where plating is desired, as chromium plating, it may be done prior to effecting the joint thereby insuring that all parts are covered so the joints wont oxidize. The joint so formed is very strong and rigid and will not work loose in use, and is not unsightly as is the case of a welded joint. Further the joint is a tight one wherein all deformation, holes, upset and the like are completely concealed within one of the tubes.

It is to be understood that this application is not to be limited by the exact embodiments of the device shown, which are merely by way of Villustration and not limitation as various and other forms of the device will, of course, be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

We claim:

1. In combination, a pair of connected tubular members, the rst member being larger in diameter than the second member, the first member having an aperture having a diameter at least as large as the outside diameter of the second member, the second member having a portion extending into said first member through said aperture, the end of the second tubular member within the rst tubular member being in a plane normal to the axis of the second tubular member, a portion of the second tubular member extending into the rst tubular member having a plurality of substantially circular holes forming weakened portions between said holes,

'said weakened portions being collapsed within ther rst tubular member providing spaced securing shoulders disposed within and engaging said first tubular member for preventing relative rotation between the tubular members.

2; In combination, a pair of connected tubular aperture, the end of the second tubular member Within the rst tubular member being in a plane normal to the axis of the second tubular member, a portionrof the second tubular member extending into the first tubular member having a plurality of substantially circular holes forming weakened Vportions between said holes, said weakened portions being collapsed within the first tubular member providing spaced securing shoulders disposed within and engaging said first tubular member.

.3. In combination, a pair of parallel tubes, said tubes each having an aperture, a tubular member for connecting said tubes having end portions extending into the respective apertures of said tubes, a portion of the projecting ends of said tubular member being weakened and c01- lapsed to form connecting means between said tubular member and said tubes.

WILLIAM H. PEACH. ROYAL D. MALM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 403,767 Meyer May '21,' 1889 548,998 Mannesmann Oct. 29, 1895 1,035,655 Swenson Aug. 13, 1912 1,114,486 Kimball Oct. 20, 1914 1,280,244 Kroedel Oct. 1, 1918 1,734,025 Zebig Oct. 29, 1929 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 11,139 Great Britain Apr. 13, 1910 16,221 Great Britain of 1909 23,189 IFrance May 14, 1921 227,589 Great Britain Jan, 22,A 1925 

